Royal Institute of Colombo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)…

What is Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC)?

RIC is the higher education arm of Royal Institute group of companies. It has been in the field of tertiary education for over three decades serving the nation. RIC has contributed immensely, especially to the younger generation, in making them versatile characters in the society. RIC alumni, current students and their parents duly acknowledge the yeoman service it has rendered in shaping the future of the country.

Why students select RIC?

There are numerous reasons to consider RIC first as your option rather than wasting your valuable time and money on the rest:

according to University of London officials, RIC is in the top 5% of the institutions around the world that conducts University of London International programmes the highly qualified and experienced lecture panel in the respective fields the undergraduates learn and train not only the art of learning but also the strategies to survive in the world of work

RIC has a highly disciplined academic environment the students cherish the most the goodwill it has earned and the trust that has been built throughout the years has been a prominent aspect in choosing RIC by many the parents and students are happy with the homely environment it offers many parents wish to be with their children and vice versa at this stage of their lives instead of sending them abroad

What are the academic achievements of RIC over the years?

RIC is extremely proud that it enjoys an excellent track record of results even at the global level. The Diplomates at RIC secure many Distinctions, Merit and Credit passes each year. Further, the graduates also secure First Class (Hons.) and a large number of Second Class (Hons.) in the final year. One distinctive academic achievement is that RIC has surpassed the global pass rate in 69 modules out of the 80 modules it offered last year. RIC produces numerous world prizes every year and maintains a 97% success rate in the final year. According to Prof. Jonathan Kydd, former Dean of University of London “… the chemistry between the lecturers and the students works well at RIC and their academic performance speaks their success…”

What are the facilities available at RIC?

RIC library is one of the best, state- ofthe art libraries a private institution could imagine of. It has all the essential and further reading materials recommended by the University of London and past papers with examiners’ reports of all the subjects. Air conditioned lecture rooms, study rooms and well- equipped computer laboratories enhance the learning environment. Free access to internet to utilise the virtual learning environment [ VLE] that facilitates studies is another important aspect. Apart from that, the facilities available for co-curricular activities such as debating/mooting, seminars, guest lectures and extra-curricular activities like Basketball, Cricket, Football, Rugby, Swimming and social welfare activities provide a rich environment for inculcating values and morals in developing the personality traits.

Does RIC offer scholarships at the entrance?

At RIC, we only offer scholarships to high achievers at A/ Ls, at entrance. Student who have 3 A* s at London A/ Ls or 4 A’s at Local A/ Ls are awarded 50% scholarships for their 1st Year of studies and those who perform well above the standard scholarship criteria are awarded up t o 100% sch o l a r s h i p s. Simultaneously, the students who obtain Distinctions in the First Year examination (Diploma in Law/ Economics/ Social Sciences) receive a ‘ High Achievers Scholarship’ of 50% for their 2nd and 3rd Year of studies. Our aim in giving these scholarships is to motivate the students to achieve Distinctions in the 1st Year examination and to obtain First Classes Honours but not to increase the student registrations in a programme.

How much can a student save by joining RIC over any other institution which offers scholarships?

Those scholarships give only a monetary value and such scholarships offered provide a mere short term satisfaction. Through experience, we understand that lack of facilities makes learners underperform; thus leading them to repeat the examination by paying extra and wasting more years. However, at RIC the students complete their degree within the stipulated time and that itself is a life-time scholarship. For example, a student receiving a scholarship of 50% would save approximately Rs. 75,000 a year. However, failure in the first year due to lack of facilities will cost them the continuing registration £330 (for UoL) and the examinations £800 in addition to the extra tuition fees during the year of re-sit.

What alternatives are available for a student after O/L?

A student who has successfully complet- ed O/ Ls can commence his/ her tertiary education by directly enrolling in the International Foundation programme (IFP) of the University of London offered exclusively at RIC. After successfully passing the IFP, the student can enter the intended degree programme. By choosing this path, a student will be able to graduate by the time they reach 20. Importantly, the Academic direction to this programme is provided by LSE.

What are the degrees at offer through University of London (UoL)?

Currently, RIC offers 15 different degrees and 3 diplomas from UoL in the fields of Law, Economics, Mathematics, Management, Finance, International Relations and Sociology. All UoL degrees can be completed in Sri Lanka in a period of 3 years.

What are the degrees offered through the pathway programme with Deakin University?

RIC has entered a unique collaboration with Deakin University, Australia offering 4 different pathway programmes in Engineering, Bio- medical Science, Science and Information Technology Bachelor of Engineering – 2 years at

RIC, 2 years at Deakin University Bachelor of Science – 1 year at RIC, 2

years at Deakin University Bachelor of Biomedical Science – 1 year at RIC, 2 years at Deakin

University Bachelor of Information Technology – 2 years at RIC, 1 year at Deakin

University